The iCAN – Special Edition is a ‘specially-tuned’ version of the top-selling micro iCAN. Sonically, it boasts Class A, DirectDrive® and TubeState®. Features wise, it features a newly-refined XBass®, 3D Holographic® for headphones and 0dB, 12dB and 24dB Gain adjustment. Powered by the all-new iPower (15V), the special Turbo headamp® circuit pumps out 4,000mW to drive even the most demanding of headphones.

Class A, TubeState®

The micro iCAN uses a discrete circuit that deliberately models the way tubes amplify audio. The TubeState creates a warm, spacious and natural sound, without the noise and distortion most tube circuits produce. This TubeState® circuit is exclusive to iFi, and it dishes out quite a large dollop of sonic improvement, over and above other mains powered Class A headphone amplifiers.

The power and the glory

The micro iCAN SE also receives the same technology as output power has been upped ten-fold to 4,000mW. Coupled with user-adjustable gain settings, from the most smallest to the largest of headphones, the iCAN SE is able to handle them all (including the incredibly power hungry HE-6) – with the greatest of ease.

Power Output

Component quality just went into overdrive

Inside the micro iCAN SE, one finds ELNA Silmics, MELF resistors and C0G capacitors. These ‘boutique’ components deliver the very best sonics.

3D HolographicSound® for Headphones and XBass® revised

Because recordings are almost exclusively made for speakers rather than for headphones (which are polar opposites), this explains the oft-found ‘inside the head’ headphone listening experience. The 3D HolographicSound® system for headphones corrects this to make the headphones disappear as if the performer is not inside the head, but in the room.

For the Special Edition, the 3D HolographicSound® circuitry has been further refined so there is not just a ‘widening’ of sound field but there is a more ‘frontal location’ which sets the stage for hours and hours of fatigue-free listening.

DirectDrive® means output signal remains pure

Another of the core reasons that gave the original iCAN its cult status is DirectDrive® which means there are no output coupling capacitors. This ‘direct signal’ path is without peer and the micro iCAN SE retains this circuit topology. The sonic transparency is there for all to hear. The transparency is second-to-none.

Output Impedance

Driven by the all-new iPOWER

Using the latest Active Noise Cancellation® technology trickled-down from AMR, the noise floor is even better than the original. The iPower has an astonishingly low audio band noise floor of just 1uV! To put this into context, iFi’s very own Ultra-Low Noise AC/DC adapter was in a class of its own at 10uV. Compared to a very good audiophile Linear Power Supply which measured at 20uV, it is demonstrably clear AMR/iFi power supply technology is unparalleled.

Specifications:

Gain:

0dB, 12dB and 24dB user-selectable

Signal to Noise Ratio:

>123dB(A)

Total Harmonic Distortion(THD):

<0.003%(400mV/150R)

Frequency Response:

0.5Hz to 500KHz(-3dB)

Output Impedance:

<1 ohm

Output Power:

>4000mW(16Ω)

Output Voltage:

>10V (>600Ω)

Input Voltage:

AC 100 – 240V, 50/60Hz

Power Consumption:

< 5W idle, 12W max.

Dimensions:

158(l) x 68(w) x 28(h) mm

Weight:

216g (0.48 lbs)

Warranty period:

12 months

User Manual

thatonenoob strikes again by reviewing the iCan Micro SE!

“It’s a great amplifier and its features are truly well implemented and do provide a meaningful value added….I’d heartily recommend the iCAN SE. It’s discrete, well-built and most importantly, sounds excellent…iFi did a job well done with this amplifier.”

“…this is an endlessly rewarding amplifier, in terms of sound quality. It delivers clear, confident tube sound which we found addictive. It very quickly became our regular go-to headphone amp, regardless of what we were listening to. We think the price is right too….this is reasonably affordable.”

“Whether you’re listening to music at work or at home, the iFi micro iCAN SE will give you a warm, tube-like sound. Amplification is a game changer when it comes to headphones and the micro iCAN SE has all you need packed into a small desktop amplifier portable enough to take to and from work.”

“Encased in a lightweight aluminium shell, the unit itself is light to hold and feels solidly built…cables are robust and not likely to break…the iCAN SE offers more gain settings than other amplifiers in this price range, while the signal-to-noise ratio is also a bit more than normal. Harmonic distortion is wonderfully low and you can bet the clarity is going to be something special…the power put out by this medium-sized amp is enough to drive anything 16 and 600 ohms – allowing the iCAN to be used with just about any headphone….the amp can be used to impart a more realistic and more emotive sound to any track…the qualities of the iCAN SE are noticeable…it can power just about anything, while keeping the sound loud yet clean…Headphone compatibility is very much wide-open on the iCAN SE, and there is a lot of fun to be had in trying out different combinations of headphones with this capable amp….this amp compliments high-performance, high-impedance headphones especially well….this thing is powerful…the performance is top-notch and still at bargain at 299. With plenty of power, it’ll drive any headphones, while also offering the option to impart a more realistic and bassy sound to your music. Our opinion? The iCAN is well worth a look (or a listen).”

“….nice little headphone amp they sent me…I’ve been using for a variety of things, listening to music obviously but also editing videos…it’s worked out really well for me now…I think that it provides good value for the money. A very good sounding and compatible with pretty much anything…it offers selectable gain so that allows you to get the volume to where you need it…it worked fine with all the headphones…it’s got plenty of power….it’s made of high-quality components…it’s an all analogue device…it’s a class A amplifier…very light even though it’s make of all metal….I really enjoyed my time with this unit…the specs are excellent…it performed we’ll with all the headphones I have and I believe that it will perform well with any headphones out there…”

“The conclusion of this test can be only one – iFi iCAN SE is a fantastic headphone amplifier. In its affordable price provides a very euphonious, precise and powerful sound excellent straight into the essence and meaning of music. It offers thoroughbred sound which is a close approximation of the idea of high-end, that is authentic concert in the ears. I recommend by all means!”

“Micro ICAN SE is a reboot of the already recognised and appreciated Micro ICAN…..This ICAN Special Edition is also equipped with proprietary 3D circuits Holographic Sound and XBass somewhat revisited. The recordings are essentially made to be reproduced through acoustic speakers that recreate a spatial ambience in front of the listener…..The association iFi and Meze has revealed to us very beautiful sound surprises. Class A of the small amplifier Micro ICAN SE has released an enormous musicality to which The 99 Classics headphone has provided support Masterful and unconditional. No false notes therefore, for this couple whose protagonists seem to have been designed for each other.”

“Recently iFi Audio, a subsidiary of Abbingdon Music Research (AMR), announced an enhanced version of the special iCAN, or just iCAN SE (Special Edition). This newly designed model iCAN. As you read on the corporate side, the Special Edition is a version of “specially tuned” the best-selling model of micro iCAN. Sound and provides a class A, it is equipped with the original system DirectDrive® and TubeState®. On board also has a sophisticated modules XBass® and 3D Holographic®, as well as to adjust the power level of 0 dB, 12 dB and 24 dB (Gain). Importantly, the premiere iCAN is equipped with a completely new iPower external power supply (15 V). The amplifier has a special circuit Turbo headamp® providing up to 4 000 mW of power, in other words until 4 Wat, which enables to drive even the most demanding handsets…….I invite you to read the test for several days.”

“the amplifier is very good…… all this is a fun, like the whole audiophilism that thanks to such as iFi became widely available. So what remains to rejoice that there is another competitor, able to offer a small amount of many.”

Here are some Pro’s listed within the review;

Deep, saturated sound.
Precise, clear imaging.
With the iCAN good, and with the addition of iTube outstanding musicality.
Large format tone in contrast to the smallness same equipment.
Unimposing, well-serving music detail.
Very good individualization sounds.
Great vocals.
Guaranteeing fun 3D functions and XBASS.
High-quality components.
Systems Class A, TubeState® and DirectDrive® in iCAN.
Careful execution.
Good value for money.
Translated with Google

“First the iDAC2 connected PC and the USB, I tried to play the high-resolution files in combination with pre-main amplifier and two-way speaker. “Akiko Yano + Tinpan Wichita Linemanin”, make me obediently comfortably hear the sound rounded of this song. Bass drum is higher sense of resolution Shi sink moderately and thud, vocals are finely depicted until smooth and breathing……”

Comments from the description: “In this video, we took a look at an ifi Micro iCAN SE headphones amplifier. It performs superbly and I highly recommend it! ”

Enjoy viewers and thank you TheTechAudiophile!

Trio of Excellency – Nano iUSB3.0, Micro iDAC2 and iCAN Micro SE!

“It has been 3 years since my original review of iFi Audio’s original micro iUSB Power, iDAC and iCAN…..iFi Audio has decided to update the original models with newer parts, better tech, still excellent sound quality and always a big bang for the buck.”

iDAC 2: “Let begin with iDAC2. Besides sharing the same name with the original iDAC, there is really nothing really similar between the two. Where the original iDAC is meant to be a step beyond entry level USB DAC, the iDAC2 simply takes it to the next level…..All and all, the iDAC2 is a solid upgrade over the original model. I’ll dare to even say it is almost a quantum leap in design.”

iUSB3.0 Nano: “Compare to the iUSB Power for only cleaning up the USB power line, the new nano iUSB3.0 is also a fully suited up USB3.0 hub that not only clean up power line, but also clean up the USB data signal as well as supporting BC1.2 profile. It is pretty much as audiophile as USB hub can ever be. Of course, whether you will detect an improvement with or without nano iUSB3.0 depends on how good or bad your PC’s USB connection is. If it doesn’t have much problem to begin with, then you might not notice much improvement. If it does have problem, then the nano iUSB3.0 will prove to be a good fix.”
iCan Micro SE: ” The main difference is that the iCAN SE, with a higher voltage supply from the 15V iPower adapter, can pump out 10 times the power (4W vs. 0.4W) over the same 16ohm load when compared to the original iCAN as well as having a higher maximum gain for the most demanding of headphone. So does the iCAN SE sounds the same as the already great iCAN? Well, yes and no. It is easy to tell that iCAN SE inheres the same underlying tonality and transparent presentation from iCAN, but there are a few subtle improvement.”

“Where this little gem proved itself and more was the ability to extract as much information from a recording as possible, without sacrificing much in the way of musicality or dynamics and throwing it all into an impressively cohesive sonic image. What’s more, it also comes in the smallest form factor of all these amplifiers, while having the power to drive virtually any headphone. In the end, it managed to compete with twice as expensive offerings without selling itself short and making itself the first choice for those who move regularly or need a modern, inexpensive yet capable device for most any home or studio use. And while the still excellent Corda Jazz holds the rank for the first amplifier to do that, iCAN now also put the SE right up there as one of the most impressive all-round budget devices that I had the pleasure to hear.”

” I personally found that the iCAN SE was more closed, intimate, and fuller sounding, whereas the iCAN standard was more strident and airy. It’s more a matter of personal preference, but I found both amplifiers to be very agreeable with most headphones……I did enjoy my time with iFi quite a lot. It’s a great amplifier, and its features are truly well implemented and do provide a meaningful value added. If you’re looking for a new headphone amplifier, I’d heartily recommend the iCAN. It’s discrete, well-built, and most importantly, sounds excellent. I must say that a purchase to test out the 3D functionality alone would be warranted. Put simply – there’s a lot going on at a highly reasonable price point, and iFi did a job well done with this amplifier.”

“I will write about this amp as a whole, not split into categories……I for one appreciate it’s honest sound, but unlike some other amps, it has some interesting features. First off the sound is very neutral, with maybe a hint of smoothness which to me makes it a lot more enjoyable……From lows to highs this amp excels, it has the power and authority to drive almost any headphone on the market, lows are tight yet have the right amount of body and decay, mids are detailed and highs shimmer as they should, very natural and neutral with nothing out of place…… just like the original iCan, the iCan SE is a great headphone amp, it now comes with more power under the hood, but with the same functionality and great sound the original was known for…….I cannot fault this little device, especially for the price.”

“the protagonist of this iCAN SE belongs iCAN upgraded version enhances the power, upgraded and Xbass 3D technology, but iCAN SE belongs to only use the power of portable amp, no built-in battery, which also makes its position on the desktop, rather than portable amp decoding machine……iCAN SE in line with its positioning as a portable desktop-class amp, it is suitable for long-term business travelers use, combined with excellent workmanship, knobs and levers sensitive, compact, making it ideal for portable, rich functions for different the headset is provided with adjustable and sound”

“Firstly I would like to thank iFi Audio for lending me this sample to review……iFi Audio do know how to build a sleek, yet very well built product. There is nothing on the design that feels cheap, and nothing that feels like it will wear out quickly……This does make the iCan SE a very versatile device, powering the most sensitive IEM’s to power hungry electrostats with no problems……First off the sound is very neutral, with maybe a hint of smoothness which to me makes it a lot more enjoyable……Now when you turn the xBass on things start to get fun, the iCan has a very well implemented bass boost, it adds punch and extension without bloat. I don’t usually like bass boost, but the lowest level with my German Maestro GMP 400’s make them a lot more enjoyable to listen to. This feature is great for when you want to listen to some EDM with your usual headphones and crave that extra bit of punch…….Conclusion, just like the original iCan, the iCan SE is a great headphone amp, it now comes with more power under the hood, but with the same functionality and great sound the original was known for.”

“the latest special edition iCAN, based on iCAN greatly enhanced the power, the use of 3D and XBass upgrade technology, while upgrading the power supply, called a comprehensive upgrade…..First, I was impressed by the bottom iCAN SE of noise control is very good…..Overall iCAN SE is a good amp, compact, elegant appearance, solid workmanship, sound tricky. In very compact size, iCAN SE provides a more significant driving force and good sound quality and the price is not expensive.”

“At first glance is quite the same, except that the power supply than the normal model is enhanced, it is to be such as reviewing the circuit components of the “performance is greatly improved” model. Full discrete stationary headphone amplifier of adopted A-class design the circuit “pro iCAN” ( News Technology) has been turned on…..In addition, we continue to have equipped and 3D HolographicSound system where you can enjoy the sound field, such as a speaker in the headphone, the deep XBass ability to bring out the bass.”

The micro iCAN (original) was for a while, the #1 rated headphone amplifier on Head-Fi. We’re over the moon to announce the launch of the all-new micro iCAN “Anyhow I got the chance to borrow a new iCAN micro SE from those kind ifi Audio folks to add into my desk top ifi based computer system and to see how it compares with the amp section of my pre existing micro iDSD….The system now stands at elderly Toshiba laptop to ifi Mercury to iPurifier2 to iUSB power to Gemini cables to micro iDSD to iCAN micro SE to Sennheiser HD700s…..Sadly I hear the difference and it is not tiny but neither is it massive. It feels like there is more top and bottom. Even with the Xbass and 3D set to direct I can hear a more extended bass and a clearer treble. The bass adds some foundation and warmth over the iDSD…..In any event if you are thinking that the iCAN micro SE is not a serious headphone amplifier as it is too inexpensive then think again………no really. If on the other hand you are starting out then this is a scorchingly good amp for the money and will make the best of any headphones you are likely to be starting out with.”

Pros: Improved sound at each end of the spectrum Better separation of images
Cons: Need to add another layer to the iRack
Thanks Dadracer!

The micro iCAN (original) was for a while, the #1 rated headphone amplifier on Head-Fi. We’re over the moon to announce the launch of the all-new micro iCAN “Anyhow I got the chance to borrow a new iCAN micro SE from those kind ifi Audio folks to add into my desk top ifi based computer system and to see how it compares with the amp section of my pre existing micro iDSD….The system now stands at elderly Toshiba laptop to ifi Mercury to iPurifier2 to iUSB power to Gemini cables to micro iDSD to iCAN micro SE to Sennheiser HD700s…..Sadly I hear the difference and it is not tiny but neither is it massive. It feels like there is more top and bottom. Even with the Xbass and 3D set to direct I can hear a more extended bass and a clearer treble. The bass adds some foundation and warmth over the iDSD…..In any event if you are thinking that the iCAN micro SE is not a serious headphone amplifier as it is too inexpensive then think again………no really. If on the other hand you are starting out then this is a scorchingly good amp for the money and will make the best of any headphones you are likely to be starting out with.”

Pros: Improved sound at each end of the spectrum Better separation of images
Cons: Need to add another layer to the iRack
Thanks Dadracer!

The micro iCAN (original) was for a while, the #1 rated headphone amplifier on Head-Fi. We’re over the moon to announce the launch of the all-new micro iCAN Special Edition. We are quietly confident it will reclaim top-spot.
Also, as we are as avid fans of Star Wars as the next guy (or gal), we cannot wait for the next exciting installment. Well, for the launch of the micro iCAN Special Edition (which has a fair chunk of upcoming Pro iCAN’s DNA in there) we wanted to do something really neat. With its also being Christmas, we are going to hit this competition out of the galaxy.
You head-fi’ers are cordially invited to be a part of this intergalactic launch competition.

micro iCAN Special Edition – with DNA from the Pro iCAN

1. Headamp Turbo of 4000mW – almost as much power as the Death Star’s planet destroying superlaser. It is drives IEMs right through to the HE-6.
2. Class A TubeState® – more refinement and finesse than Queen Amidala’s Nubian Star Skiff.
3. XBass® – updated and more adaptable than the revered X-Wing fighter. With different bass settings it can go as low as an attack run to destroy the Death Star.
4. 3D Holographic for Headphones® – more spacious, as impressive as the the grand hall at the end of A New Hope.
5. DirectDrive® – most direct path, just like the Millennium Falconmaking a jump to light speed.

All in all, the micro iCAN Special Edition is a little special. We hope you are ready for it to take your headphones to Jedi master level.